Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

Tate is one of those players who are lurking below the surface. Nobody has put him in the same conversation with Oklahoma State's Dez Bryan or Illinois' Arrelious Benn -- the Draft's two best wide receiving prospects -- but he belongs in the thick of things, just below those two great prospects. Tate has had a sensational career for the Fighting Irish. In his sophomore season in 2008, he went on to become QB Jimmy Clausen's favorite target, finishing the year with 58 receptions for 1,080 yards (18.6 per catch) and 10 TDs; seventeen of those grabs went for 30 yards or longer. He is quick off the line and is able to reach top speed (4.44) within a couple of steps. Tate uses moves and hands to get off press coverage. With excellent straight up speed and quickness, Tate is able to make the first defender miss on regular bases. Tate has good, strong hands, and is routinely showing off his ability to catch the ball away from his body. He does not fumble easy and has played for a conventional, drop back passer his whole career at Notre Dame. However, Tate needs to do a better job in the Red Zone. His footwork needs more polish and he is not the most physical wide out prospect. He tends to shy away from contact, and his route running also needs more development. Tate is one of the rising stars of this relatively weak draft class of WRs. He has all the tools to become a fixture in the NFL where he can work outside. As of today, Tate projects as a solid second round pick, if he declares. 3/3 Update: Tate has indeed declared early for the NFL Draft and his stock has been rising ever since. He surprised many by running an impressive 4.42 in the 40 at the NFL Combine and did pretty well in the other drills as well. Tate has moved from a second round selection to a solid first round pick. That is partially due to the fall off of some of the other wide receivers; though after Bryant, Tate is the best receiver in this class.

Tate is an excellent route runner with solid speed and elusiveness and can play in a variety of formations including wildkat QB.

Posted by:
jnols 04/16/10 09:54 PM

Prediction: 1st Round

Golden Tate will have the best career of all the WR's in this draft. mid first rounder

Posted by:
MikeLock 03/06/10 09:06 PM

Prediction: 1st Round

Golden Tate is an explosive playmaker with sure hands. Maybe the best wide out in the draft. Tate will make a difference on any team next season. Texans, Bengals, Patriots or Ravens could be landing spots mid first round.

Posted by:
lockhart985 02/14/10 11:39 AM

Prediction: 1st Round

Late first round to early 2nd round pick. Very quick of the line, and can reach top speed in a couple steps. Is a true big play threat. Sticky hands, and good jumping ability. Stepped up play when Floyd went down early, and took over games. A little on the short side, and a little shy when it comes to contact. Route running could use a little bit of work, but that can be easily corrected by NFL coaching. Ravens are likely to take him due to his play making ability

Posted by:
irishdriver77 01/22/10 03:04 PM

Prediction: 2nd Round

GOES UP AND FIGHTS FOR THE BALL IN THE AIR LIKE STEVE SMITH
MAKES BIG PLAYS
WISH THE 9ERS WOULD DRAFT HIM

Posted by:
balldickball75 01/04/10 12:37 PM

Prediction: 1st Round

Tough in the Steve Smith mold ,I love this guys game

Posted by:
shotgun517 12/31/09 06:21 AM

Prediction: 2nd Round

He is short for an NFL WR but he has the same hands as Larry Fitzgarald(srry if i spelled it wrong), and the same build as great running backs of the past such as Jim Brown(not comparing him to one of the greatest football players in history but he certainly has the potential)
I predict early second round to Redskins to give which ever quarterback they draft a boost in their playmaking ability. and I only predict he will go in the second round due to the fact that his is not the ideal NFL WR size